Off the Pulpit: We Can’t

November 13, 2020

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Two words spoken in the Torah sum up an entire world view. Negating those words, contradicting them, proving them untrue, is a noble and necessary mission. The words are “Lo Nukhal.”

In Genesis, Jacob comes across a...

Person in the Parsha: Chayei Sarah

November 06, 2020

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“SARAH, ESTHER AND THE SLEEPY STUDENTS“ 

Jews live their lives within the framework of the Jewish calendar. At this time of year, we identify strongly with the narratives...

Off the Pulpit: The Lesson of Father Abraham

November 06, 2020

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

We do not know why Abraham is chosen. Later however, God describes the special nature of Abraham’s mission: “I have singled him out that he may instruct his children and posterity” (Gen. 18:19). In other words, God...

Person in the Parsha: Vayera

October 30, 2020

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“DYSTOPIA“ 

I never thought that I would begin a discussion of the weekly Torah portion by referring to a person who was canonized as a saint by the...

Off the Pulpit: Move!

October 30, 2020

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Judaism begins in walking. God tells Abraham to ‘lech,’ go, and he and Sarah walk for many miles to the land that will be Israel. Jewish law is called halachah, which means walking. Angels are sometimes referred to as...

Person in the Parsha: Lech Lecha

October 25, 2020

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“ANCESTRAL DECISIONS“

Most people do not give much thought to their ancestral origins. But some do, and I am one of them. I often wonder about my grandparents and...

Off the Pulpit: Your Politics and Mine — and His and Hers

October 23, 2020

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Of course your political views are correct, but may I take a moment to remind you of something?

Moses’ leadership was repeatedly challenged and Korach’s uprising against him seemed to have wide support.King David almost lost...

Person in the Parsha: Noach

October 16, 2020

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEIBREB

“SURVIVORS OF TRUMA“

There are many words in the English language that originally had great power but have become watered down over the years to the point of meaninglessness....

Off the Pulpit: No Perfect Home

October 16, 2020

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

The Torah begins with the letter bet, the same letter that begins bayit in Hebrew, home. Some have taken this as a signal – here is your home, in the Torah. Yet it is an uneasy home, full...

Person in the Parsha: Bereshit

October 09, 2020

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“LIFE AND DEATH, FROM ADAM’S PERSPECTIVE“

I invite you to imagine yourself as Adam or Eve. Put yourself in their shoes. Remember that, as the very first humans,...